Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. The most common species in the UK is the cat flea, which affects both cats and dogs but can also bite humans.

Fleas can spread quickly and cause severe irritation, allergic reactions, and, in some cases, transmit diseases.

Identifying fleas

Fleas are usually between 1mm and 3mm in length. This makes them difficult to see. Fleas are wingless but have long, powerful back legs that give them a powerful jump. They can leap up to 100 times their own height which lets them move efficiently between hosts or from the environment onto a passing animal or human.

Fleas will move quickly and can be difficult to catch.

Flea life cycle

• Egg
  Flea eggs are white, oval-shaped and about 0.5mm in size. Females can lay up to 50 eggs per day, usually on the host animal. These eggs will often fall off into the environment, such as between carpet threads and bedding.
• Larva
  After 2 to 3 days, eggs can hatch into larvae. These larvae will avoid light and feed on organic matter, such as crumbs and adult flea droppings. Larvae will develop in undisturbed areas, such as gaps in skirting boards or tiles, which can last up to 2 weeks.
• Pupa
  After consuming enough organic matter, larvae will spin a cocoon and enter the pupal stage, which can last several days or even months depending on environmental conditions. At this stage the flea is most resilient. The cocoon protects the flea from treatments and vacuuming.
• Adult
  When conditions are right, typically triggered by heat, vibrations and carbon dioxide from a nearby host, the adult flea emerges from its cocoon and leaps onto a host. It will start feeding within hours. Once active, adult fleas can live for several weeks, continuing the cycle.

Signs of infestation

• Excessive scratching, biting or licking by pets
  Pets may seem restless, groom themselves more than usual, or bite at specific areas (especially the base of their tail, inner thighs or neck).
• Hair loss or skin irritation
  Flea bites can cause inflamed red skin, scabs, and bald patches in pets due to frequent scratching or allergic reactions to flea saliva.
• Flea dirt
  These are small, dark specks found in your pet's fur, bedding, or on light-coloured surfaces. Flea dirt consists of digested blood. When washed from your pet's coat or smudged from stroking your pet, the specks will smear into a reddish-brown. This indicates that it came from fleas.
• Flea bites on humans
  Fleas that jump onto a human to feed will leave behind small, itchy red bumps. These bite marks will usually be in clusters around the ankles, lower legs or waist. People with sensitive skin may react more severely.
• Live fleas
  Seeing fleas on your pet or jumping on carpets and furniture is a clear indicator of an infestation. A single flea has the potential to cause an infestation.

Preventing infestations

• Treat pets regularly with vet-approved flea prevention products.
• Wash pet bedding and vacuum carpets, sofas and upholstery regularly.
• Maintain a clean home and pay attention to dark corners and crevices where flea eggs develop.
• Check second-hand furniture for signs of fleas before bringing it indoors.

Book an appointment

Book a pest control appointment

Before your appointment

Before the technician arrives, please take steps to prepare your home for treatment:

• Wash all bedding, pet bedding, and soft furnishings such as cushion cases before drying them on an appropriate heat setting. See item labels for guidance. Seal cleaned items in plastic bags to prevent re-infestation.
• Pull beds, sofas and furniture away from walls to allow full access to hiding spots. Decluttering rooms will also give technicians better access to deliver effective treatment.
• Clean and vacuum thoroughly. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, pet bedding, and crevices around skirting boards. Dispose of the vacuum waste immediately in an outdoor bin. After insecticide treatment, do not vacuum for a minimum of a week to allow the insecticide to be most effective.
• Remove pets and residents from the property during treatment and stay out for the time needed (approximately 3 hours).
• Pets will need to have flea treatment during the treatment period of the property. This is to prevent fleas reinfesting from 1 source to the other.

Cancelling an appointment

You must give 24 hours' notice to cancel an appointment.